Florence Pugh Says It Was a 'Mind-Boggling Realization' to Learn She Had to Freeze Her Eggs at 27

• Florence Pugh has opened up about her decision to freeze her eggs aged 27 after learning she had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, both of which can affect fertility
• Speaking to Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi — aka “Dr. A” — and Mary Alice Haney, on Dear Media’s SHE MD podcast, Pugh said it was “shocking” to hear he had to “take his balls out, and fast.”
• Pugh emphasized the importance of educating young women about these conditions so that they know that these conditions do not determine whether they can have children

Florence Pugh said she decided to freeze her eggs at the age of 27 when she discovered she had polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis — conditions that could make it difficult for her to conceive later in life.

“Suddenly I had the feeling that I should go and check everything. I had a few strange dreams, I think my body was telling me,” he said We live in a time withtar, now 28, told Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi — also known as, “Dr. A” — and women’s advocate and influencer, Mary Alice Haney, on Dear Media’s SHE MD podcast.

Pugh, who met with Dr A, said: “She asked me if I had ever done an egg count and I said: ‘No, what do you mean? I’m so young. Why do I need an egg count?’ ”

Florence Pugh attends Comic-Con in San Diego, California in July 2024.

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After counting the eggs, Dr. A diagnosed Lightning bolts star with PCOS and endometriosis — conditions that can affect fertility — and suggested freezing her eggs.

“It was so bizarre because my family are baby-making machines. My mom had children in her forties. My grandmother had babies all the time… And then, of course, I found out completely different information, at the age of 27, that I had to get my eggs out, and quickly, which was a bit of a startling realization, and what a very lucky person I am and I’m glad I found out when I did because I’ve wanted children since I was a child.”

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the leading cause of infertility in women. The genetic, hormonal, metabolic and reproductive disorder can cause irregular periods, acne, infertility, weight gain and excessive hair growth, according to the PCOS Awareness Month website.

Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi (aka, Dr. A).

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Endometriosis can also cause fertility problems, the Cleveland Clinic says. The condition “causes tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus to grow in other places where it does not belong. It can cause pelvic pain and heavy periods, as well as fertility problems.”

Pugh said she had heard about PCOS, but “didn’t think it was something that was common. I really just thought it was something you would feel and know you had and not really care.”

“And then, of course, you find out you have it and you realize you have to change your lifestyle, you have to be proactive and think ahead to the future,” the Oscar nominee said. “I mean [for] a lot of young women, it’s not necessarily what you think about when you’re in your 20s.”

Florence Pugh, here aged 27, in London in February 2024.

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Pugh shared that she had some symptoms such as “acne…hair that wasn’t supposed to be in certain places,” but explained, “I just thought it was part of being a woman, and also living maybe a little bit of a stressful life. I didn’t think the constant weight fluctuation would be a part of it either.”

The Oppenheimer star emphasized the importance of talking about polycystic ovary syndrome and fertility issues, because “if you dream of maybe becoming a mom one day, those things are so important, like learning how to find breast lumps.”

“It wouldn’t be that hard to educate everyone about it while you’re in school,” Pugh said. “It’s something that will be the deciding factor in whether or not you’re going to be able to have children.”

New episodes of Dear Media’s SHE MD Podcast are released on Thursdays.

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Source: HIS Education